Soul Stories: Meet Don
Series: Soul Stories of Anchor Lancaster
At Anchor Lancaster, we are privileged to witness the stories of transformation, resilience, and hope that many of our guests experience. One guest's journey stands out as an inspiring example of strength and faith.
This guest first came to Anchor after a difficult time in his life. He had been struggling, moving from place to place, and was unsure of where he would end up. He found himself in Lancaster last October after reaching out to 211 for help. At the time, he was staying in a pizza shop, helping out in exchange for food. He ended up in Lancaster with just a sleeping bag and no place to stay. He stayed at the Tenfold overnight shelter and came to Anchor, drawn by the reputation of our breakfast program — something he says was unmatched.
Despite his challenges, he found a sense of hope as he arrived at Anchor Lancaster. He recalls feeling the weight of the world upon him, but at the same time, he sensed a good spirit around him. It was here that he began a deeper journey of faith. Having faced difficulties with the law and personal struggles, he reached a turning point when he prayed to the Lord, unsure if He even existed. But in a dream, the Lord came to him, and in that moment, everything began to change.
His journey at Anchor has been transformative. What started as a short stay turned into a life-changing experience. He was only planning to stay for two weeks, with plans to move to a shelter in Dallas. But when he met our caseworker, Connor, things began to shift. The two prayed together, and it became clear to him that staying in Lancaster was the right choice. After a few weeks, he received a call about a forklift job, which turned out to be his dream job. He now works the third shift, and he couldn’t be happier. He works overnight and sleeps during the day at Anchor Lancaster’
For this guest, Anchor represents more than just a place to stay. It’s a sanctuary, a safe place where people truly care. He describes the people at Anchor as “really cool,” and says that they go above and beyond because they truly care about the people they serve. For him, it’s a place that offers warmth, safety, and community. He feels supported by those around him, and as he says, “If it weren’t for Anchor…man, I don’t know where I’d be…”
Reflecting on his experience of homelessness, he shares a perspective shaped by his own struggles. At 57, he’s come to understand that his challenges have ultimately led him to a deeper connection with the Lord. He used to be critical of people who were homeless, not fully understanding the circumstances. Now, he sees things from a different light.
This guest’s story is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible, even in the darkest of times. With faith, support, and the kindness of those around us, we can overcome even the most difficult obstacles. At Anchor Lancaster, we are honored to walk alongside people as they rediscover their strength and find new hope.